Introduction

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Each language construct of a C# program does not exist in isolation. It has its own vital part to play but is also closely interrelated with other elements. This makes it difficult to look at any one aspect of C# without requiring the knowledge of others. Due to this circular dependence among the elements of C#, this chapter, along with Chapter 4, "A Guided Tour Through C#: Part II," and Chapter 5, "Your First Object-Oriented C# Program," presents an overview of several important features, to give you an introductory feel for the language.

The presentation is facilitated by C# source code examples containing several essential elements of C#. Each element will be presented, discussed, and related to other parts of the C# program in a practically related fashion. This will enable you to start writing your own programs during this chapter. I hope you will grab this opportunity to play with and explore C#. Some of the most important parts of this and the following two chapters are the programming exercises at the end of each chapter. You don't become a proficient C# programmer just by learning lots of definitions by heart but by doing and unleashing your creativity. So have a go at these exercises and use your imagination to come up with other ideas of how to improve the programs or, even better, create your own programs.

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